There are so many milestones — both physically and developmentally — that happen within a baby's first year of life. From sitting upright on their own to paying attention to speech and even developing hand-eye coordination and motor skills, the curiousness with which they discover new aspects of life is worth rewarding. When it comes to gifting for a 1-year-old child, it can be challenging; you want to get them something that will bring them joy, but that's also in line with where they are cognitively and socially. If you're looking for ideas, we are highlighting ourfavourite gifts of the year [1] for 1-year-olds, and they're all under $20.
— Additional reporting by Rebecca Brown
GoStock Friction Powered Cars
These GoStock Friction Powered Cars [3] ($17, originally $23) are perfect for the backyard.
VTech Touch and Swipe Baby Phone
This VTech Touch and Swipe Baby Phone [4] ($15) includes 12 light-up pretend apps including a calendar, a clock, and the weather. This toy helps with hand-eye coordination.
VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck
This VTech Drop and Go Dump Truck [5] ($10, originally $15) is intended to help children learn their numbers.
Fun With Pets: A Pop-Up Book
Join Little Bunny as she tries to find her animal friends in a game of hide-and-seek in Fun With Pets: A Pop-Up Book [6] ($9).
VTech Click and Count Remote
This VTech Click and Count Remote [7] ($20) includes 45 sing-along songs, melodies, sound effects, and phrases. Toddlers can pretend channel surf through nine different channels including weather and news. The interactive role play is excellent for early education.
Skip Hop Infant Hedgehog Accordion
Not only is this Skip Hop Infant Hedgehog Accordion [8] ($15) great for musical children, but it also has rubberized details that are intended to soothe teething kids.
Kinrex Elephant Plush
This bestselling Kinrex Elephant Plush [9] ($12) is incredibly soft.
Pop-Up Dinosaurs
Pop-Up Dinosaurs [10] ($10) has rhymes about giant prehistoric creatures and five big dinosaur pop-ups that jump out from the pages.
Soft Book
Introduce your baby to the wonder of reading with a Soft Book [11] ($15, originally $24) that they won't rip to shreds.
Curious George in the Box
Why mess with perfection? The timeless appeal of an old-fashioned jack-in-the-box pairs with a beloved kids' literary character with this Curious George in the Box [12] ($20) that plays "Pop Goes the Weasel."
VTech KidiBeats Drum Set
If you feel like you have a tiny musician on your hands, try out the VTech KidiBeats Drum Set [13] ($13, originally $20). The drum pads and cymbal each have their own unique sound for sensory development.
Quantum Physics for Babies
Start them young with the Quantum Physics for Babies [14] ($8). It makes learning about our universe a lot easier.
VTech Little Apps Tablet
Let your baby work from home with you with the VTech Little Apps Tablet [15] ($15).
VTech Jiggle and Giggle Fishing Set
The VTech Jiggle and Giggle Fishing Set [16] ($18, originally $25) is such a fun activity that your one-year-old will love!
LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone
If the one-year-old in your life is obsessed with your phone, get them their own with the LeapFrog Chat and Count Emoji Phone [17] ($10).
LeapFrog Learn & Groove Shakin' Colours Maracas
Get moving and grooving with the LeapFrog Learn & Groove Shakin' Colours Maracas [18] ($14).
Mega Bloks Peek a Blocks Amusement Park
You can never go wrong with building blocks and the Mega Bloks Peek a Blocks Amusement Park [19] ($20) is perfect.
VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer
One-year-old will love the VTech Pop-a-Balls Push & Pop Bulldozer [20] ($14).
Edushape Cosy Pal Stuffed Animal with Recording Device
Cuddle up with the Edushape Cosy Pal Stuffed Animal with Recording Device [21] ($15). You can even record a special personalized message!
'If I Were a Puppy...' Book
Bed time just got a lot better with the 'If I Were a Puppy...' Book [22] ($13).
B. toys Ladybug Ball Popping Toy Poppitoppy
The B. toys Ladybug Ball Popping Toy Poppitoppy [23] ($10) will keep your one-year-old entertained.
Skip Hop Fox Print Explore & More Xylophone
Create melodies with the Skip Hop Fox Print Explore & More Xylophone [24] ($15).
My 1st OccuPlaytion Hippo Dentist - 3pc
Get your one-year-old into taking care of their teeth (or tooth) with the My 1st OccuPlaytion Hippo Dentist - 3pc [25] ($18).
LeapFrog Scout and Violet 100 Words Book
They'll learn so many new words with this LeapFrog Scout and Violet 100 Words Book [26] ($18).
Melissa & Doug Musical Farmyard Cube
This educational Melissa & Doug Musical Farmyard Cube [27] ($14, originally $20) features animal sounds and songs that will play when their noses are pressed.
VTech Care for Me Learning Carrier
Gift this VTech Care for Me Learning Carrier [28] ($12, originally $25) to children who love animals.